9/30/26 : A Look at the Playoff season end rosters
This season was a topsy turvy, up-down roller coaster ride for the Phillies. When things were going well Phillies fans were loud in support, in down times notoriously negative - just like every fan base anywhere in the MLB spectrum. The team proved resilient - emerging from the struggles to secure their fifth straight playoff appearance. Short of the ultimate goal of winning the World Series it’s been a very productive run.
Twelve teams qualify for the playoffs - as a player development advocate and writer I’m always curious how the teams were built.
The majority of the rosters were filled via trades - it’s noted that most of those trades were big league ready acquisitions in exchange for “prospects”. Player development is very important but as evidenced in the major league rosters that qualified for this year’s playoffs development of players was most utilized to exchange “homegrown” players for big league ready talent over the course of time. One other note - player development takes time - Cleveland is top heavy with home grown players but every one of them on their roster spent a minimum of parts of three seasons in their minor leagues.
Here’s a look at the twelve season ending rosters for this year’s playoff qualifiers.
Trade Dominant :
Rays - 18 of their season ending roster of 28 were acquired via trade, 1 from waivers , 4 “home grown” and 5 free agent signings. They had more players on their roster attributed to trade acquisition than any other team in MLB.
Notes : of the 18 players acquired via trade only four (3 pitchers, 1 infielder) spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Rays player development system with the most noteworthy being 23 year old third baseman Junior Caminero who was acquired from Cleveland in the 2021 off-season for RHP Tobias Myers. Caminero played three years in the Rays minors albeit he made his major league debut in 2023 (7 games) - he became a big league regular in 2025 popping 45 home runs. He hit 42 with 101 RBIs this season.
Only 1 of the 5 free agent signings was a minor league free agent. The most notable major league free agent signing was RHP Nick Martinez who made this year’s AL all star squad.
Of the 4 “homegrown” players the two most notable on the roster are 28 year old infielder Jonathan Aranda (signed as an international free agent in 2015) - he was an AL all-star selection in 2025 and outfielder Chandler Simpson who hit .306 this season in 612 PA’s.
They had 7 rookies appear with the club this season.
Brewers - 16 players on the season ending roster came via trade. Ten players were “homegrown” and 4 were free agent signings. They rank second in all of MLB (tied with Miami) for the number of players on their roster acquired via trade.
Notes : of the 16 players acquired via trade only 2 (pitchers) spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Brewers player development system. Closer Trevor Megill was acquired from the Twins on 4/30/23 for cash - he pitched 11 games in the Brewers minor league system (AAA) that year before becoming the major league closer in 2024.
Two of the 4 free agent signings were minor league free agents. Jake Bauers was signed to a minor league contract on 1/6/25 after acquiring him in a 11/17/23 trade with the Yankees - he had elected free agency in November of 2024.
The most notable of the 10 “homegrown” players on the roster are 24 year old phenom RHP Jacob Misiorowski who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 draft from a junior college in Missouri - he made his MLB debut in 2025. Platimum glove winning 2B twenty-six year old Brice Turang (2018 1st round pick - HS from CA) and 22 year old outfielder Jackson Chourio (signed in 2021 from VZ as a 16 year old) who’s been a major league regular since he was 20 years old.
They had 13 rookies appear with the club this season.
Phillies - 14 players on the season ending roster came via trade. One was a waiver claim, 7 were “homegrown” and 6 were free agent signings. They rank 3rd (tied with Nationals) for the number of players on their roster acquired via trade in all of MLB.
Notes : of the 14 players acquired via trade only one spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Phillies player development system - LHP Christopher Sanchez (acquired 11/20/19 from Tampa) spent three years in the minors with the Phillies. Key trade acquisitions include closer RHP Jhoan Duran, starting LHP Jesus Luzardo, starting catcher JT Realmuto (subsequently re-signed twice as FA) and starting 2B Luis Arraez.
Two of the 6 free agents were minor league free agent signings (RHP Max Lazar & LHP Tim Mayza). All of the major league free agent signings are notable (Zack Wheeler, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner).
The 7 “homegrown” players are Alec Bohm, Aaron Nola, Alex McFarlane, Bryson Stott, Andrew Painter, Rafael Marchan and Justin Crawford.
They had 7 rookies appear with the club this season - most notably Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford and Alex McFarlane.
Red Sox - 13 players on the season ending roster came via trade. One was a rule 5 claim, 7 were “homegrown” and 7 were free agent signings. They rank 4th (tied with Pirates) for the number of players on their roster acquired via trade in all of MLB.
Notes : of the 13 players acquired via trade 4 (two pitchers, catcher & infielder) spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Red Sox player development system. OF Wilyer Abreu (acquired from Astros 8/1/22) played most of 2023 in the minors before becoming a big league regular in 2024.
2 of the 7 free agent signings were minor league deals. LHP closer Aroldis Chapman and LHP Ranger Suarez are the most significant major league signings.
Of the 7 “homegrown” players twenty-three year old LHP Payton Tolle (2024 2nd round pick - TCU) made 26 starts this season posting a 3.03 ERA in 148.2 IP. 26 year old outfielder Ceddanne Rafael (signed in 2017 from Curacao) has had three contributing seasons in the majors from 2024 to 2026.
RHP Garrett Whitlock (30 yrs old) was a significant waiver claim from the Yankees in 2020 - he’s been a key bullpen cog for the Sox ever since.
They had 9 rookies appear with the club this season.
White Sox - 12 players on the season ending roster came via trade. Two were waiver claims, 7 were “homegrown” and 7 were free agent signings. They rank 5th (tied with Orioles, Mariners & Blue Jays) for the number of players on their roster acquired via trade in all of MLB.
Notes : of the 12 players acquired via trade 2 (catcher & outfielder) spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the White Sox player development system. 25 year old RHP David Sandlin was acquired from the Red Sox on 2/1/26 and made 16 minor league starts with the White Sox and 8 appearances (6 starts) with the big club. Third baseman Miguel Vargas was acquired from the Dodgers on 7/29/24 and blossomed into an AL all-star this summer hitting 33 home runs and driving in 93 runs.
None of the 7 free agent signings were on a minor league free contract. The most notable free agent signing was Japanese first baseman Munetaka Murakami who clubbed 35 home runs this season.
Of the 7“homegrown” players notables on the roster include 26 year old RHP Sean Burke (2021 3rd round pick - Maryland) who went 11-7 with a 3.34 ERA in 172.1 IP this season. Both 23 year old LHP Noah Schultz (2022 1st round pick - HS) and 23 year old LHP Hagen Smith (2024 1st round pick - Arkansas) made numerous appearances this year in the show - Smith posted a 1.29 ERA in 28 IP as a reliever. 24 year old RHP Grant Taylor (2023 2nd round pick - LSU) made 60 appearances (84 IP) with a 2.25 ERA. Twenty four year old shortstop Colson Montgomery (2021 1st round pick - HS) hit 31 home runs this season with 87 RBIs despite posting a .197 batting average in 638 plate appearances.
They had 14 rookies appear with the club this season.
Dodgers - 11 players on the season ending roster came via trade. One was a waiver claim, 7 were “homegrown” and 9 were free agent signings. They rank 6th (tied with Giants) for the number of players on their roster acquired via trade in all of MLB.
Notes : of the 11 players acquired via trade none spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Dodgers player development system. Thirty-three year old SS Mookie Betts was acquired via trade with Boston.
One of the 9 free agent signings one was a minor league free agent (now 36 year old infielder Max Muncy in 2017). Significant International free agent signings include three Japanese players (28 year old RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, 24 year old RHP Roki Sasakiand 32 year old RHP/DH Shohei Ohtani). Major league signings 33 year old LHP Blake Snell, 1B Freddie Freeman (37 years old) and 29 year old outfielder Kyle Tucker were extraordinary deals.
Of the 7 “homegrown” players the most notable on the roster are 26 year old LHP Justin Wrobleski (2021 11th round pick - Oklahoma State) who posted a 12-5 record this year in 28 appearances (26 starts) and 3.66 ERA in 140 IP, catcher Will Smith (31 years old - 2016 1st round draft pick - Louisville) along with 25 year old outfielder Andy Pages (signed 3/1/18 from Cuba) - he hit 23 home runs this season and posted 85 RBIs.
They had 6 rookies appear with the club this season.
Free Agent Heavy :
Padres - 14 players on the season ending roster came free agent signings, 6 were “homegrown” and 8 were via trades. They have the most number of players on their roster acquired via free agent signings in all of MLB.
Notes :
Of the 14 free agent signings 5 were on minor league deals (28 year old OF Samad Taylor, 27 year old OF Dustin Harris, 32 year old RHP Walker Buehler, 26 year old OF Jase Bowen and 26 year old RHP David Morgan). Thirty year old LHP Yuki Matsui was an international signing from Japan on 12/23/23 - he posted a 1.83 ERA in 54 relief appearances (64 IP) this season. Key major league free agent signings include SS Xander Bogarts (32 yrs old), Ty France (32 yrs old) and 3B Manny Machado (34 yrs old)
Of the 8 players acquired via trade one spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Padres player development system - 27 year outfielder Fernando Tatis was acquired from the White Sox in 2016 - he played three seasons in the minors with the Padres. 31 year old starting RHP Michael King and 27 year old starting pitcher Randy Vasquez were acquired from the Yankees in the 12/7/23 Juan Soto trade. Closer RHP Mason Miller (28 years old) was acquired from the A’s 7/31/25.
Of the 6 “homegrown” players 27 year old RHP reliever Adrian Morejon (signed 7/7/16 from Cuba) has posted a 2.57 ERA over the past three seasons in 211 appearances (223 IP). 22 year old RHP Bradgley Rodriguez (signed internationally 1/15/21 from VZ) posted a 2.19 ERA in 68 appearances this year (74 IP). Twenty year old catcher Ethan Salas was signed 1/15/23. Twenty three year old OF Jackson Merrill was the Padres 2021 1st round draft pick from Severna Park HS in Maryland.
They had 6 rookies appear with the club this season - most notably
Yankees - 11 players on the season ending roster came free agent signings, 2 were waiver claims, 7 were “homegrown” and 8 were via trades. They rank 2nd highest (tied with Rangers) for the number of players on their roster acquired via free agent signings in all of MLB.
Notes :
Of the 11 free agent signings three were signed to minor league contracts (29 year old catcher Ali Sanchez, 25 yr old RHP Alexander Corneille, 28 yr old RHP Yerry De Los Santos). Notable major league free agent signings in regard to this season’s impact include 32 year old LHP Max Fried and 33 year old LHP Carlos Rodon,
Of the 8 players acquired via trade none spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Yankees player development system. Closer RHP David Bednar (acquired from Pittsburgh 7/31/25) stands out as the biggest acquisitions in regard to impact for this season.
Of the 7 “homegrown” players 25 year old RHP Cam Schlittler (2022 7th round draft pick - Northeastern) had a great season posting a 1.95 ERA in 193.2 IP - he was an AL All-Star. RHP Will Warren (2021 8th round draft pick - Southeastern Louisiana) has been a two year cog in the starting rotation. 1B/DH Ben Rice (2021 12th round pick - Dartmouth) clubbed 41 home runs this season with 97 RBIs. Note that OF Aaron Judge (2013 1st round pick - Fresno State) obviously has a huge roster impact being a former AL MVP - he wasn’t on the season ending list due to injury.
They had 6 rookies appear with the club this season.
Cubs - 10 players on the season ending roster came free agent signings, 2 were waiver claims, 6 were “homegrown” and 10 were via trades. They rank 3rd highest (tied with Mets) for the number of players on their roster acquired via free agent signings in all of MLB.
Notes :
Of the 10 free agent signings none were signed to minor league contracts. Notable major league free agent signings in regard to this season’s impact include 35 year old LHP Matt Boyd (10-5 in 22 starts - 126.2 IP), 33 year old LHP Shota Imanaga (3.77 ERA in 32 starts - 174.1 IP), 32 year old 3B Alex Bregman (28 HR’s, 93 RBIs), 32 year old SS Dansby Swanson and 32 year old RF’er Seiya Suzuki.
Of the 10 players acquired via trade two (one being 26 year old RHP Daniel Palencia) spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Cubs player development system. The most impactful acquisition by far is 24 year old CF Pete Crow-Armstrong (acquired from Mets 7/30/21 for Javier Baez) who played two plus seasons in the Cubs minor leagues before blossoming to become an NL All-Star - he had an MVP type year this season popping 45 home runs and driving in 107 runs 😳.
Of the 6 “homegrown” players 29 year old 2B Nico Hoerner stands out as a gold glover and consistent hitter. LF’er Ian Happ (32 years old - 2015 1st round draft pick - Cincinnati) is also a gold glover and long time impact hitter.
They had 7 rookies appear with the club this season.
Even Distribution :
Braves - 9 players on the season ending roster came free agent signings, 1 was a waiver claim, 9 were “homegrown” and 9 were via trades.
Notes :
Of the 9 free agent signings four (31 year old DH/1B Dominic Smith, 32 year old LHP Dylan Lee, 32 year old LHP Ray Kerr & 30 yr old RHP Grant Holmes) were initially signed to minor league contracts. Notable major league free agent signings include 35 year old RHP Robert Suarez (1.06 ERA in 33 games - 34 IP).
Of the 9 players acquired via trade none spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Braves player development system. 36 year old closer RHP Raisel Iglesias (acquired 8/2/22 from Angels) is a standout performer. 37 year old LHP Chris Sale t(traded from Boston 12/30/23 for SS Vaughn Grissom) has been the staff ace since being acquired. 1B Matt Olson (32 years old - traded from A’s 3/14/22) has been a key middle of the order lineup presence since being acquired.
Of the 9 “homegrown” players three - RHP Dylan Dodd (2021 3rd round draft pick - Southeast Missouri State), 21 year old RHP Didier Fuentes (signed in 2022 from Colombia) and 25 year old catcher Drake Baldwin (2022 3rd round pick - Missouri State -selected as an NL All-Star this season) were added to the organization in the past six seasons. Longtime standouts include 29 year old 2B Ozzie Albies (signed in 2013), 29 year old 3B Austin Riley (2015 CB-A draft pick), 28 year old OF’er Ronald Acuna Jr (signed in 2015) and 25 year old CF’er Michael Harris (2019 3rd round draft pick).
They had 8 rookies appear with the club this season.
Astros - 7 players on the season ending roster came free agent signings, 1 was a rule 5 selection, 3 were waiver claims, 9 were “homegrown” and 8 were via trades.
Notes :
Of the 7 free agent signings four were initially signed to a minor league contracts (OF Lucas Spence (23 yrs old), former Phillies LHP Josh Hendrickson - 29 yr old rookie, 29 yr old RHP Peter Lambert, 36 year old Catcher Christian Vazquez). Notable major league free agent signings include closer 32 year old LHP Josh Hader and 35 year old 1B Christian Walker.
Of the 8 players acquired via trade two spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Astros player development system - 28 year old catcher Yainer Diaz acquired from Cleveland in 2021. The most significant trade acquisition by far was 29 yr old DH /OF Yordan Alvarez who was acquired from the Dodgers in 2016 for RHP Josh Fields - he spent three plus seasons in the Astros minor leagues before making his major league debut in 2019 - he’s become an MVP type player - this year he hit 42 home runs, had 106 RBIs and posted a .316 BA and 1.033 OPS in 692 PA’s 😳
Of the 9 “homegrown” players four signed before 2020 - RHP Bryan Abreu (signed 2013), RHP Hunter Brown (2019 5th round draft pick), 2B Jose Altuve (signed 2007) and SS Jeremy Peña (signed 2018).
They had 14 rookies appear with the club this season.
Homegrown :
Guardians - 17 players on the season ending roster were “homegrown”, 1 was a rule 5 selection, 8 were via trades and 2 were free agent signings. They rank 2nd highest (only St Louis had more with 19) for the number of players on their roster developed internally as “homegrown” in all of MLB.
Notes :
Of the 17 “homegrown” players all spent at least parts of three years or more in the minor leagues. 3B Jose Ramirez is the best player on the roster - the perennial AL All-Star was signed in 2011 and spent five seasons in the minors before becoming a major league regular in 2015 (he debuted in 2013).
Of the 2 free agent signings 1 (33 yr old 1B/DH Rhys Hoskins) was signed to a minor league contract. The other was catcher Austin Hedges (34 years old).
Of the 8 players acquired via trade three (23 year old OF Kahlil Watson, 26 yr old 1B Kyle Manzardo & 26 yr old LHP Joey Cantillo) spent significant time (two seasons or more) in the Guardians player development system.
They had 12 rookies appear with the club this season.
⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.
Comments